Unit Roles and Functions

Corrections Officers

Role

In addition to the standard Corrections Officer role, Corrections Officers within the PFU will:

• Demonstrate a commitment to working in a cultural environment that is explicitly Pacific.

Recruitment

All staff chosen to work in the PFU should demonstrate the following:

• an even temperament and non-aggressive manner with prisoners
• willingness and ability to adapt to change; and
• willingness to role-model pro-social attitudes and behaviours
• some knowledge of a Pacific language and culture, and a commitment to up-skill in this area

In addition, because of the unit’s promotion of Pacific principles, processes, and practices, PFU staff should also be able to demonstrate:

• an ability to work well with Pacific prisoners
• a strong desire to work in the PFU
• a real commitment to the unit’s special focus; and
• a commitment and willingness to work with Pacific service providers and communities.

Competencies and training

Additional PFU specific training is provided to staff up to $15,000 per year. This includes:

• Team building
• Development of cultural awareness and language skills

Note: Specific funding has been allocated to the Pacific Focus Unit to enable this training. Careful planning is required to facilitate this additional training as no backfill is available.

Staffing and rotation policy

Rotation of staff is subject to the discretion of each Prison Manager. In considering rotations the Prison Manager should ensure that:

• the Unit’s philosophy, routines, processes, and systems are firmly bedded in and maintained to ensure the stability and integrity of the PFU environment, and that
• careful consideration is given when considering the timing of staff rotation, and longer periods of service in the PFU than those stipulated under current staff rotation provisions is preferred.

Staff Uniforms

When PFU staff are involved in cultural activities or special occasions such as welcoming ceremonies or family days, they are entitled to wear culturally appropriate attire; for example, (aloha) for males and (puletasi) for females.

Otherwise, when undertaking duties as part of normal rostered hours either in the PFU or outside the unit, all PFU staff must wear the standard corrections uniform.

Staffing Levels

Staffing levels in the PFU will be same as those in the three mainstream low medium – minimum security unit at Spring Hill.

Current staffing ratios for these units include 1 Unit Manager, 1.2 Principle Corrections Officers, 2.9 Senior Corrections Officers, and 7.6 Corrections Officers.